Using your hand as a light meter???
Sep 4, 2016 23:24:29 #
Hey Y'all!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
Sep 4, 2016 23:39:30 #
What, electronic metering system, are you using?
In camera, TTL or reflected light meter, or hand held, incident or reflected light meter?
In camera, TTL or reflected light meter, or hand held, incident or reflected light meter?
Sep 4, 2016 23:46:15 #
I'm not using any except for the one inside my DSLR. I just wanted to learn the "hand" method to double check trickier shots.
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Sep 4, 2016 23:48:51 #
Yes, it is an old technique. Metering off the palm of one's hand is a quick and dirty way to simulate a gray card. The green grass is also a good substitute. Neither perfect, but closer than one might think.
Sep 4, 2016 23:58:56 #
Sep 5, 2016 00:01:36 #
photogrow wrote:
I'm not using any except for the one inside my DSLR. I just wanted to learn the "hand" method to double check trickier shots.
Just meter off the palm or rear of your hand - you may need to dial in some expsure compensation depending on your hand and light.
I havn't used that method (metering off my hand) for years.
Sep 5, 2016 00:19:10 #
Yes if your Caucasian. Just make sure your hand is in the same type of light.
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Sep 5, 2016 00:21:00 #
photogrow wrote:
Hey Y'all!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
You're talking about putting your hand a foot or so in front of the lens instead of metering off the subject. This is an old trick often used with old wide area meters when the scene is complicated. With the accuracy of today's camera meters, it's sort of like using a hand mower to harvest a section of wheat. If, on the other hand, you're using an old handheld meter to get the exposure on a wide scene, it may have its merits. HOWEVER, doing so requires experimentation and practice to determine compensation due to your skin shade, brightness of the scene and differentials of lighting. When I have my Weston meter along, I'll often do this just to be able to make that compensation should my camera meter fail.
Sep 5, 2016 00:21:35 #
Ronbo wrote:
Yes if your Caucasian. Just make sure your hand is in the same type of light.
Sep 5, 2016 00:51:14 #
CaptainC wrote:
Yes, it is an old technique. Metering off the palm of one's hand is a quick and dirty way to simulate a gray card. The green grass is also a good substitute. Neither perfect, but closer than one might think.
The hand (palm, not back) and number two for the grass!
But a grey card is likely less than 5 bucks and fits easily in your bag, or 1/2 a full card in your coat pocket.
Sep 5, 2016 03:43:39 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
You can purchase a 4X5" gray card (cardboard) from B&H for $2.95. B&H part #DEGC45. Or make one for practically nothing.
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Sep 5, 2016 05:10:03 #
Racmanaz
Loc: Sunny Tucson!
I have never heard of anyone being able to use their hand as a light meter...that would be a miracle. Now I have heard of using your hand/palm as an object to read light off of with your camera's light meter, am I wrong on this?
Sep 5, 2016 05:58:12 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
If you read Bryan Peterson's book Understanding Exposure he explains using you hand as a gray card. A Caucasian hand is about 1/2-3/4 stop lighter than a gray card.
Sep 5, 2016 06:27:41 #
photogrow wrote:
Hey Y'all!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
I've heard that people use their hand in the view finder instead of a light meter... Sounds like one less thing to drag around, so I'd like to learn how to do it. Anybody know or have any links on how to do it?
Thank you!!!
It works fine. You need to set your meter to spot mode, to ensure the meter only 'sees' your hand. Place your hand in the same light as the subject and measure. Your hand reflects slightly more light than a gray card, so you'll need to ADD 1/3 to 2/3 stop exposure to the camera's reading.
I do suggest you read up on the zone system, which explains why this method works.
Here is something to get you started:
http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/01/zone-system-the-basics/
http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/understanding-using-ansel-adams-zone-system--photo-5607
Sep 5, 2016 08:13:37 #
Use a densitometer and measure your hand. Use B&W density or visibility density (on a color densitometer). If the value is 0.75 then your hand reflect about the same light as the gray card. For every 0.10 density higher subtract 1/3 stop. For every 0.10 density lower add 1/3 stop.
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